We ordered a lot of ready-grown tomato seedlings from Diggers last year, spent what felt like a fortune because I'd missed the rather critical timings starting from seed requires. Seemed like the sensible thing to do. Thing is, and this is not the fault of the lovely people at Diggers, that Australia Post,"don't deliver parcels of that size" to country addresses. Interesting, right? More interesting is that also don't deliver the notices that tell you that said large parcel is awaiting collection. Hmm. I got them just in time, unpacked them, gave them light and water and love, then managed to get them in on the traditional date of Melbourne Cup Holiday. They just - just - survived.
In early December, in Sydney for my nephew's baptism, Dad bundled up what heirloom (a bit over the endless overuse of this word) tomato seedlings he hadn't been able to put in their garden and you know what? Even though they too had a rough ride home (carry on baggage a-hoy) once in, they grew into far superior specimens. Thanks, Dad, and you are right: the Brandywine is a ratty looking plant, but I can't wait to sink my teeth into a fully ripe one.
Whichever variety this is, it looks quite happy.
Posted by: Denise | Chez Danisse | January 18, 2012 at 10:30 AM
Hello. I do agree with Denise.
Light & water & love...& maybe just a few nutrients in the form of whole food...it's enough for us to flourish, too.
Posted by: Elaine | January 19, 2012 at 06:09 AM
D: this is a heart-shaped cherry tomato called "valentine". not quite as lovely as i was led to believe it would be, but summer is still in the mid-stage, so...
E: happy 2012! yes. all the essentials right there. and flourish, this year, you and i shall. x
Posted by: Lucy | January 19, 2012 at 09:24 AM
oh golly. the brandywines. are. the best.
no ripe tomatoes here at the moment, although i did get my garden seeds last week.
am going to try growing "matt's wild cherry" from seed this year.
your garden looks so beautiful.
so beautiful.
Posted by: alison | January 23, 2012 at 12:55 PM